Kalutara: Turtle Hatchery Visit, Boat Safari, and Galle Tour

Kalutara, a scenic coastal town in Sri Lanka, offers a captivating tour that combines wildlife conservation, scenic boat rides, and colonial history. Visitors can explore the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where they’ll learn about five endangered sea turtle species and participate in the Turtle Care Program. From there, they’ll embark on a serene 30-minute boat safari along the Madu River, spotting diverse wildlife and traversing cinnamon islands. The adventure concludes with a sightseeing tour of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where travelers can explore the region’s rich colonial past and discover the Maritime Museum. With so much to experience, it’s no wonder Kalutara has become a must-visit destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• This comprehensive tour offers a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a Madu River boat safari, and a sightseeing excursion to the historic city of Galle.

• Visitors can learn about five endangered sea turtle species, participate in the Turtle Care Program, and interact with baby turtles at the hatchery.

• The Madu River boat safari provides an opportunity to spot wildlife, including basking crocodiles, and gain insights into cinnamon harvesting on small islands.

• The tour of Galle includes exploring the Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage, visiting the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, and exploring the Maritime and National Museums.

• The tour is priced at £70.44 per person, includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees, making it an inclusive and informative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Kalutara tour provides visitors with a diverse and engaging experience, including a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a boat safari on the Madu River, and sightseeing in the historic city of Galle.

Priced from £70.44 per person, the 10-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from the Kalutara area. Conducted in English, the tour offers the opportunity to learn about five endangered sea turtle species, participate in the Turtle Care Program, and interact with baby turtles.

The Madu River boat safari allows guests to spot wildlife like basking crocodiles and experience cinnamon harvesting and fish massage.

Lastly, the tour explores Galle’s Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage, including the Fort, Maritime Museum, and lighthouse.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

At the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, visitors can learn about the 5 endangered sea turtle species found in the region and participate in the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to see, touch, and even feed baby turtles. The hatchery plays a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable creatures, as it collects eggs from nesting sites and incubates them in a safe environment until the hatchlings can be released into the ocean.

Turtle Species	Conservation Status
Olive Ridley	Vulnerable
Green Turtle	Endangered
Hawksbill Turtle	Critically Endangered
Loggerhead Turtle	Vulnerable
Leatherback Turtle	Vulnerable

Madu River Boat Safari

After exploring the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, visitors can embark on a 30-minute boat cruise along the Madu River to spot wildlife and experience local cultural activities.

The boat safari offers a chance to see basking crocodiles and other animals in their natural mangrove habitat.

Travelers will also visit small islands where they can learn about cinnamon harvesting and enjoy a unique fish massage experience.

The Madu River ecosystem is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making the boat tour a captivating and immersive way to discover Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

Guests can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and gain insights into the local way of life during this memorable river adventure.

Galle Sightseeing

Following the Madu River boat safari, the tour then ventures to the historic city of Galle, where travelers can explore the remnants of the area’s Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage over the course of a 2-hour sightseeing excursion. The tour includes visits to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Maritime Museum, the National Museum, and the local lighthouse. This provides guests with a comprehensive understanding of Galle’s rich history and cultural significance.

Attraction	Description
Galle Fort	A well-preserved 17th-century fort showcasing the architectural influence of the colonial powers.
Maritime Museum	Exhibits artifacts and information related to the maritime history of the region.
National Museum	Displays a collection of artifacts and exhibits highlighting the culture and history of Sri Lanka.

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Additional Information

The tour includes an optional lunch for an additional fee, allowing travelers a free hour to enjoy a meal.

The air-conditioned vehicle provides comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

Entrance fees, an English-speaking driver/guide, a bottle of mineral water per person, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all taxes and service charges are all included in the tour price.

However, food and drinks beyond the specified items, gratuities, and personal expenses aren’t covered.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Visitors can also expect to pay an additional fee for the boat ride on the Madu River.

Exclusions

The tour doesn’t cover food and drinks beyond the specified items, nor does it include gratuities or personal expenses.

Visitors will also need to pay an additional fee for the boat ride on the Madu River.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

While the tour includes entrance fees, an English-speaking driver/guide, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all taxes and service charges, it’s important to be aware of what’s not included.

This ensures travelers can plan accordingly and budget for any extra costs.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 1 review available, travelers have indicated a highly positive experience with this Kalutara tour.

The tour currently boasts an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Feedback from those who’ve taken the tour suggests it exceeded their expectations.

Participants praised the knowledgeable and friendly guide, the well-organized itinerary, and the opportunity to interact with the sea turtles at the hatchery.

The Madu River boat safari was also a highlight, with travelers reporting they enjoyed spotting wildlife and experiencing the local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though pregnant women and wheelchair users may find certain activities challenging. The tour provider advises checking specific accessibility needs.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator generally allows guests to customize the itinerary to suit their preferences, subject to availability and additional fees. Travelers can discuss their specific interests and needs with the tour operator.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is not explicitly stated. Most private tours of this nature have a flexible group size, typically ranging from 2 to 10 participants, to provide a personalized experience. The tour operator can provide the specific group size details.

Is It Possible to Arrange a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, many tour providers offer the option to arrange a private tour instead of a group tour. This allows for a more personalized experience and flexible itinerary. Private tours may have an additional cost but can be tailored to the customer’s preferences.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Taking Photos or Videos During the Tour?

The tour does not charge any additional fees for taking photos or videos during the activities. However, visitors are advised to respect the local culture and environment when capturing memories. Discretion is recommended when photographing wildlife and sensitive areas.

Recap

The Kalutara tour offers a captivating mix of wildlife, nature, and cultural exploration.

Visitors can learn about endangered sea turtles, enjoy a scenic boat safari, and discover the rich colonial history of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This comprehensive experience provides a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: